Daniels Inventions

Over a time of forty-three years, Daniel Best received 41 patents, ranging from an improved washing machine to combine harvesters. His first invention was a portable grain cleaner and separator.
While continuing to produce grain cleaners Daniel began experimenting with the idea of combining grain harvesting, threshing( to seperate the grain or seeds) and cleaning in one machine. He was successful in 1885 when he sold his first horse-powered combined harvester. This new addition to his product line gave him the capital and the means to move onto the next major invention.

 Daniel Best was always looking to improve, simplify, or create pieces of equipment that would ease operations. It began when he saw the need for an improved traction engine, what some now call a steam tractor, to pull his combine harvesters. He first purchased the rights to build a successful steam traction engine from Remington. He immediately began to make improvements until his engines were known as the strongest, most dependable, and longest-lasting engines in North America.

Around 1891, Daniel began to experiment with gas engines to replace the steam engines on his tractors. He developed his first gas-powered tractor in 1896. To prove its superiority, he staged a tug of war between his steam tractor and his new gas-powered engine. Not only did the gas-powered engine win, but it pulled the steam tractor around the block.

The tractor and combine

He received more and more orders from clients all around the world. At this time Daniel was selling $400,000 worth of machinery per year.